GETTING TOGETHER.

Auckland Star, Volume LVII, Issue 53, 4 March 1926, Page 11

GETTING TOGETHER.

FOR COMMON INTERESTS. ■■■ f AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND j I DEFENCE OF THE PACIFIC. ts J (liy Telegraph.—Special to "Star.") I WELLINGTON, this day. j Some aspects of the object of the i present visit of the Australian naval squadron to New Zealand were commented upon by Sir Francis Hell, speaking at the Government luncheon to the officers. The navy, Sir Francis said, would always be the first line of defence. Great as Australia was, the immense area she controlled, and the great future prophesied for her, New Zealand would have a share in that great destiny. The people of a country of similar size to New Zealand, from which most of us had descended, had already played a great part in the history of the world. Sir Francis said it was realised that it was time Australia and New Zealand bore a greater share in contributions towards the defence. In this portion of the Empire the necessity for protection of our lines of communication was being emphasised more than ever. He pointed to the extension of the mandate to Australia and New Zealand over the surrounding islands, and made reference to the union of the two countries which destiny probably held in store. The present visit must have an educative influence upon the people of New Zealand.

Referring to the union of Australia and New Zealand during the war, he said he hoped that the record of that union would never fail in the course of the history of the two countries. Perpetuation of that union was one of the objects of the squadron's visit. He hoped continuation of that union would give j us control of the Pacific, and, as we deserved, to have peace in the Pacific. (Applause). In replying. Commodore Wardle commented on the ideals outlined in Sir Francis' speech, and said he felt sure this visit would have a very great influence in the relations between the two' countries.A series of naval exercises had been arranged which would be of great value should need arise for a naval

engagement. Sir Francis had said that

the two countries must come together

and that the more opportunities of bringing the peoples of Australia and

New Zealand together the happier all would be. All forces should combine for the defence of the great Empire to which we all belonged. (Applause). PROTECTION OF TRADE ROUTES. (By Telegraph.—l'resa Association.) "WELLINGTON, Wednesday. A welcome was extended to the commodore and officers of the Australian cruisers at the club rooms by the Wellington Commercial Travellers and Warehousemen's Association. The president of the association deplored the fact that more was not being done by Australia and New Zealand toward the support of the British Navy. A better spirit was growing up, however, and it was to be hoped that in the near future Australia and New Zealand would have such a navy as would suffice to keep their coasts clear in the event of an attack until the British Xavy could arrive to bring assistance.

Commodore Wardle said the president had "stolen his thunder." '"My opinion is," he added, "that the closest co-opera-tion is necessary between the two Dominions. They should pull together and provide adequate defence for their own shores. It is necessary that they should ship their produce overseas to Euopean markets and the only adequate protection that can be provided is from the sea. Although it has been said that an enemy might attack our trade routes by airship, still it is necessary that transports should be provided for those air vessels, and if an adequate naval force were in existence in the Pacific to combat those transports and their protecting warships, then airships could do little harm."